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BREAKING NEWS

8th ,January, 2026

BSUTH NANNM UNIT HOLDS EMERGENCY MEETING AS STATEWIDE STRIKE ENTERS 6TH WEEK

Union Leaders Appraise Action, Tighten Strategy, and Call for Government Intervention

MAKURDI – The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) unit of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) held a crucial emergency meeting today to assess the ongoing indefinite strike by the Benue State Council, now in its sixth week.

The meeting, convened to address key concerns and update members on engagements with the government, was attended by over 400 nurses. Our correspondent reports that proceedings began with powerful solidarity songs, underscoring the nurses' resolve in their fight for welfare, patient safety, and a functional healthcare system.

Addressing the assembly, the Unit Chairman, Comr. Nr. Tordoo Kefas, commended members for their steadfast commitment. He noted that the industrial action became inevitable after numerous appeals to hospital management and the state government failed to yield results.

Chairman Kefas particularly praised the probationary nurses who have endured what he called "common intimidation tactics," including the non-payment of December salaries. He stressed that it is incorrect to assume only these nurses are affected, listing core grievances affecting them in particular

*Salary arrears of 2-3 months in 2024 and, for some, 2-3 months in 2025.

* Outstanding uniform allowances since 2024.

*Non-advancement of due nurses for over 2- 8months

*Arrears of advancement for over 100 nurses, unpaid for more than 3 months.

The Chairman identified what he termed "low-hanging fruits" that must be addressed including issues raised above

· The expunging of nurses from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

· Payment of 18 months of CONHESS arrears.

· Payment of salaries for four union members who were exonerated by a disciplinary committee after a three-month suspension.

He urged members to remain resolute, stating that nurses' welfare is a legitimate foundation for any optimal healthcare system, and called on the hospital management and state government to resolve these issues to restore industrial harmony.

State Leadership Throws Weight Behind Unit

The meeting was heightened by the surprise appearance of the State NANNM Chairman,Dist. Cmr. Nr. Tahav Kershio, and a member of the State Administrative Council (SAC), Comr. Nr. Comfort Tseke. Received with a roaring ovation, Chairman Kershio reaffirmed the State executives' total support.

He echoed that the BSUTH-specific issues and the demand to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme are critical "low-hanging fruits" that must be resolved before any call-off of the indefinite strike can be contemplated. He condemned what he described as tactics by BSUTH management to undermine higher-level negotiations, warning that such actions only worsen the friction over the welfare of "the most hardworking health professionals."

Chairman Kershio called on the government to urgently address the union's demands for better welfare, patient outcomes, and healthcare delivery.

A Plea for Truthful Journalism and Political Neutrality

In an exclusive interview with our reporter after the meeting,Chairman Kershio appealed to health journalists in the State to report the issues honestly and avoid suppressing facts. "When true journalism is traded while the lives of Benue citizens are in the balance, it creates distrust in systems meant to serve the people," he stated.

He firmly dismissed claims that the strike is politically motivated, reiterating that NANNM is an apolitical organization solely concerned with member welfare. He added that the national body of the Association In Abuja and the Nigerian Labour Congress are closely monitoring the situation and will act if negotiations fail.

Nurse Narrates Ordeal, Appeals to Governor

A probationary Nurse who spoke in anonymity for fear of victimization, made a heartfelt appeal to His Excellency, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia to intervene. She narrated working for over six months in 2024 without pay, receiving salary only from the 7th month onward. While union intervention secured two months' back pay, four months' arrears from 2024 remain outstanding -a situation she says affects nearly 100 nurses in the facility.

"I left my job in Lagos to return home when His Excellency came on board, only to face this injustice in a biting economy," she said, holding back tears. She expressed belief that the Governor, once fully aware, would ensure justice. She also lamented that inquiries over unpaid allowances are often met with threats of sack, severely damaging morale among nurses who need to be mentally sound to care for patients.

Call to Avert Total System Collapse

Also speaking,Comr. Nr. Grace called on the government to save the healthcare system from total collapse, noting that the strike by the Association of Resident Doctors in the same facility is rooted in similar issues of welfare, work strain, and poor patient outcomes.

Benue Nurses TV.

BENUE NURSES TV - SPECIAL REPORT ON HEALTH

REPORTER:Moses Williams

46 DAYS IN THE DARKNESS: HOW THE NURSES' STRIKE IS CRIPPLING BENUE'S HEALTH SYSTEM

WHEN WOULD THE GOVERNMENT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY?

As the indefinite statewide strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Benue State Council enters its 46th day, the consequences on public health have escalated from critical to catastrophic. This report outlines the unfolding crisis and its direct impact on the citizens of Benue State.

1. A GENERATION IN JEOPARDY: THE COLLAPSE OF IMMUNIZATION
Routine and scheduled immunization programs across primary healthcare centers have ground to a complete halt.Nurses are the backbone of these vital public health initiatives. The absence of these skilled professionals means thousands of infants and children are missing crucial vaccines, exposing them to preventable diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough. This lapse creates a dangerous immunity gap, threatening a future outbreak that could overwhelm an already crippled system.

2. FROM OPTIMAL TO SKELETAL: THE DEGRADATION OF NURSING CARE

General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centers have been reduced to offering mere skeletal services.The scenario described by Chairman Comrade Kershio Tahav-where two nurses cover an entire hospital-has become the grim reality. This means:

· Triage has collapsed: Patients in critical condition may not be identified promptly.
· Routine monitoring is absent: The stable condition of admitted patients cannot be guaranteed.
· Patient education and support have ceased: Managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension becomes perilous without nursing guidance.
· Morale among other overstretched health workers is at an all-time low, compromising team-based care.

3. INTIMIDATION TACTICS PERSIST AMID HIGH-LEVEL TALKS: WITHHOLDING OF NEW NURSES DECEMBER SALARIES AT BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL MAKURDI.

While the State Chairman engages with the Commissioner and state-level officials,reports persist of intimidation and coercion of striking nurses at the facility level by some local administrators. This harassment of essential workers, who are peacefully demanding their legitimate rights, is counterproductive and exacerbates the industrial dispute. It demonstrates a disconnect within the government's approach and further demoralizes the workforce meant to heal our communities.

WHAT THE PUBLIC MUST KNOW: THE CORE OF THE DEMAND IS BETTER CARE

It is crucial for the public to understand: the demands of Benue nurses are intrinsically linked to the quality of healthcare received by every citizen. A nurse burdened by 5 months of unpaid salaries, working in an understaffed unit with 20 patients, and denied career advancement for years cannot provide optimal, compassionate, or safe care. The World Health Organization’s 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio is a safety standard, not a luxury. The union's fight for proper welfare, staffing, and timely promotion is ultimately a fight for your right to quality nursing care when you or your loved ones fall ill.

A CRIPPLED SYSTEM IN A TIME OF CRISIS

A crippled healthcare delivery system is a direct threat to state security and governance. The state loses the confidence of its people and faces a preventable surge in mortality from routine ailments.

This crisis could not have come at a worse time. With the reported resumption of devastating attacks by marauding herdsmen on Benue communities, the urgent need for a fully alert and functional healthcare system is glaring. Emergency response to trauma, mass casualties, and the displaced requires every hospital to be fully staffed and operational. The current strike renders the state dangerously unprepared for such humanitarian emergencies, leaving victims vulnerable and compounding the tragedy.

In summary

The 46-day strike is more than an industrial dispute; it is a full-blown public health emergency. The resolution lies with the state government addressing the identified "low-hanging fruits" at BSUTH and the Contributory Pension Scheme, as stated by Chairman Tahav. The government must refocus its beam of light on the health sector immediately.

We call on His Excellency, Fr.Hyacinth Iornem Alia , to directly intervene, streamline communication with his appointees, and prioritize the resuscitation of our healthcare system. The welfare of Benue nurses is the foundation of the welfare of all Benue citizens. Saving our healthcare system is not just about paying salaries; it is about saving lives, securing our future, and being prepared to heal our people in their hour of greatest need.
Moses Williams
Benue Nurses TV.

NANNM-FHI DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR NURSE MURDERED ON HER WAY FROM WORK.

Abuja, Nigeria – January 6, 2026 – The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM–FHI) has declared “Enough is Enough” in a strongly worded statement condemning the brutal murder of Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chukwumeziem, a dedicated nurse at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja.

The association expressed deep heartbreak and anger over the senseless killing, which occurred on January 3, 2026, just days into the new year. Nurse Chinemerem finished her afternoon shift, cared for her patients with unwavering compassion, and boarded a vehicle to head home—only to become a victim of notorious ‘one chance’ operators. Her body was later discovered abandoned by the roadside.

“This is not an isolated case. It is a painful symptom of the growing insecurity that shadows healthcare workers,” the statement read, highlighting the daily threats of violence, kidnapping, and crimes faced by nurses, especially those relying on public transport after long shifts.

Signed by National Secretary Comr. Nr. Enya Agatha Osinachi, NANNM–FHI condemned the act and systemic neglect, standing in solidarity with the family and colleagues. “No nurse should pay with her life for answering the call to heal and care for the sick… Nurses are the heartbeat of Nigeria’s healthcare system.”

The union has issued urgent demands to the Federal Government, Ministry of Health, FCT Minister, and security agencies, including:

Immediate investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators;
Enhanced security around hospitals and commuter routes;
Safe staff transport for shift workers;
Better hazard allowances, insurance, and welfare support;
Regular security risk assessments.
“Her death must not be in vain. It must mark the turning point where the safety of nurses finally becomes a national priority,” the statement affirmed. “Rest in peace, dear Chinemerem… Nurses’ lives matter. Protect us so we can continue to protect Nigeria.”

Fellow Nurses Africa echoes these calls for justice and protection. The incident has intensified national concerns over commuter safety and the risks faced by essential workers.

Investigations continue. Updates to follow as more information becomes available. Deepest condolences to Nurse Chinemerem’s family and the entire nursing community. 🕊️


Benue Nurses Tv

DATE: January 6, 2026

CHAIRMAN TAHAV STANDS FIRM; DEMANDS RESOLUTION OF CORE ISSUES TO END 40-DAY STATEWIDE STRIKE

The Benue State Council of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) under the leadership of Dist. Rt. Comr. (Nr.) Kershio Tahav, CFRN, has reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing indefinite strike, stating that it will not be reduced to a localised action despite pressures from certain quarters.

This position was solidified shortly after the Chairman's strategic engagement with the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche Ejeh, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. While acknowledging the government's commencement of dialogue, Comrade Tahav declared that only concrete resolutions on fundamental issues would lead to the suspension of the strike, which has now spanned over 40 days.

The Chairman condemned the ongoing intimidation of nurses who have heroically borne the pain of owed salaries—2-3 months in 2024 and another 2-3 months in 2025—alongside other allowances. He listed the non-advancement of over 100 eligible nurses and a litany of other grievances as the fuel for the industrial action.

In clear terms, Comrade Tahav stated: "Until the issues at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) are addressed and our members are expunged from the Contributory Pension Scheme, the strike continues. These are low-hanging fruits; the government should pluck them to bring about industrial harmony."

He painted a grim picture of the realities forcing nurses out of hospitals: critical understaffing that sees one nurse attending to over 20 patients in BSUTH, and as few as two nurses covering entire General Hospitals. This, he emphasized, is a far cry from the World Health Organisation's prescribed nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:4, placing immense strain on caregivers and compromising quality healthcare for the Benue populace.

Further highlighting systemic neglect, the Chairman decried the non-promotion of nurses in the Primary Healthcare Board since 2016 and the non-payment of uniform allowances for over two decades.

A PLEA TO THE TRANSFORMATIVE GOVERNOR

In his final remarks, the Chairman made a direct appeal to His Excellency, the Transformative Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. He called on the Governor to personally look into these demands to ensure justice and fairness prevail. He urged the Governor to rein in appointees who, he alleged, have refused to provide accurate information and are working against his stewardship by downplaying the crisis.

STRIKE IS APOLITICAL, DEMANDS ARE LEGITIMATE

Comrade Tahav stated clearly and openly that any insinuation of political motivation behind the strike is a "fallacy sold by those out to cause mischief." He re-emphasised that NANNM is an apolitical professional body and should never be associated with such narratives.

He outlined that all union demands, which have been legitimately communicated to the government over a period of nine months, remain unresolved.

While expressing deep concern for the plight of Benue citizens affected by the strike, the Chairman appealed for public understanding. He stressed that "only a nurse who is reliably appreciated for work done would offer the best of services."

The union remains open to dialogue but insists on conclusive action from the government to address the outlined "low-hanging fruits" and other core demands for nurses to return to their life-saving duty posts.
Moses Williams
For: Benue Nurses TV.

WE ARE WORKING BEHIND THE SCENE TO BUILD A NURSES PODCAST....
WHERE NURSES WILL COME DISCUSS ON SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES.

JUST BE PATIENT WITH US .THANK YOU

*QUICK NOTIFICATION*

*Important Notice to Benue Nursing Community and All Units of NANNM*

I am pleased to announce the adoption of RT. Comr. Nr. Tahav Kershios' official portrait as the symbol of leadership for the new Chairman of NANNM Benue State Chapter.

This portrait will represent our chapter's identity and values moving forward. We look forward to a new era of service and excellence under our chairman's leadership.

Congratulations to our new chairman, and let's unite to advance our noble profession

Thank you.

*Comr.Nr.M.M Williams*
SA Media/Publicity to the
State NANNM Chairman